During our late teens or early twenties, wisdom teeth start emerging. These teeth are located at the back of the mouth, one on each side in the upper and lower jaws, typically behind the second molars. While the wisdom teeth served our ancestors well for grinding tough and coarse foods, changes in diet and evolution have rendered them unnecessary today. In fact, approximately five million people have their wisdom teeth removed annually in the United States alone! This then begs the question — what are some indications that suggest the need for wisdom tooth extraction? Let’s explore more in this article.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is insufficient space in the jaw for them to fully emerge or develop normally. The impacted teeth often remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gum and tissue bone, leading to complications such as pain, infection, damage to surrounding teeth and even cyst formation. As the partially erupted teeth create small pockets between the gums and tooth surface, bacteria can easily accumulate in those areas as well. A dentist may recommend extraction to alleviate discomfort, prevent further dental issues and safeguard oral health.
Crowding and Misalignment
Due to their late eruption and limited space within the jaw, wisdom teeth can cause crowding and misalignment in the mouth, pushing against adjacent teeth as they attempt to emerge. The pressure gradually shifts the alignment of existing teeth, resulting in overlapping or even rotation of teeth in the dental arch. Beyond negatively impacting your smile and facial aesthetics, crowding and misalignment more importantly affect functionality, making it difficult to maintain oral hygiene. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be required to realign the teeth and restore proper occlusion.
Learn more: Enhance Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, proper cleaning, flossing and brushing often pose a challenge, potentially accumulating plaque and bacteria. Over time, this buildup can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, not just in the wisdom teeth but adjacent teeth too. Additionally, the presence of impacted wisdom teeth may exacerbate gum inflammation and infection as they create pockets of space where food particles and bacteria collect. If symptoms are severe, recurring or causing significant discomfort, then wisdom teeth extraction may be advisable to prevent further damage and preserve oral health.
Cysts
When wisdom teeth are unable to fully erupt, the pressure created on the surrounding tissues can lead to the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the jawbone. Cysts are typically filled with fluid composing dead cells, inflammatory substances and sometimes infection-related debris. If left untreated, these cysts may continue to grow, potentially causing displacement of nearby teeth or damage to nerves and surrounding bone structure.
Ultimately, the decision for wisdom tooth extraction depends on your condition, the severity of your symptoms, the potential for future complications and your overall oral health. Regular dental check-ups not only help assess conditions but also aid in the early detection and management of impacted wisdom teeth, allowing you to seek timely intervention before the issue escalates!
Still unsure if you require wisdom tooth extraction? Established in 1994, our team at Atria-City Dental Group is dedicated to providing quality general and specialist dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. With a range of services including wisdom tooth extraction, jaw surgery and gum treatment in Singapore, we are well-positioned to answer your questions and cater to different oral care needs.
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